5 foreign players who played in the IPL but never played a T20I match

The IPL has built a reputation as a platform for young cricketing talent to prosper. Several successful players, both Indian and overseas, participated in the IPL before making it big in the world of cricket. However, there are some overseas players who have played in the IPL but never played for T20I in their respective countries. Here is a list of 5 foreign players who have played in the IPL but never played a T20I match:

Shane Warne

A surprise inclusion in this list is Australian cricketing legend Shane Warne. Warne was captain of the Rajasthan Royals in the inaugural edition of the IPL. RR won its first and only IPL title under Warne’s captaincy in 2008. In his IPL career, Shane Warne played in 55 games. He announced his retirement just after playing his last IPL season back in 2011. 

Darren Lehmann

Lehmann made his last international appearance for Australia in an ODI against Pakistan back in 2005. Like Shane Warne, Lehmann was also part of the RR franchise in the year 2008. However, Lehmann only played 2 games in his IPL career, scoring 18 runs in total. Prior to that, 

Lehmann shifted his focus to coaching. Coach of the Deccan Chargers in IPL 2009, Lehmann guided the Deccan franchise to their maiden IPL title in 2009. 

Aiden Blizzard

At no 3 on this list is Australian cricketer Aiden Blizzard. Blizzard never played for the Australian national team. However, after a successful campaign in Australia’s domestic circuit in 2011, MI recruited his services in IPL 2011. Aiden Blizzard opened alongside Sachin Tendulkar for MI in IPL 2011 and 2012. Blizzard played 7 games in his IPL career, scoring 120 runs in total. 

Graham Napier 

The English cricketer was acquired by MI in IPL 2009 after a superb outing in England’s domestic circuit. However, Napier could only manage to play a single game in his IPL career. Napier was a terrific all-rounder, bowling deliveries of 140+ kmph and smashing balls out of the park. It is unfortunate that Napier never played a T20I for the England national team. 

Hardus Viljoen

Viljoen was part of the Punjab squad in IPL 2019 and 2020. However, CSK roped in Viljoen as a net bowler in the IPL 2021 auction. Even though Viljoen has represented South Africa in the Test format, he has yet to make his T20I and ODI debut for the Proteas. Viljoen has played 6 IPL matches to date, picking up 7 wickets in total

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